Shabana Azmi praises Alia Bhatt for breaking industry norms: ‘No more expiry date for actresses’

Veteran actress Shabana Azmi praised Alia Bhatt for her role in breaking the traditional norms that once limited actresses in Bollywood. Shabana, a towering figure in Indian cinema, reflected on how the careers of actresses were often curtailed once they married or had children, a deeply ingrained notion that had long shaped the industry's perception of women."Back in the day, when an actress got married, it was assumed that her career was over," Shabana said in an interview with India Today. "The idea that women had a short shelf life in this industry was ingrained in our minds." However, she emphasised that Alia and other contemporary actresses are redefining the narrative and proving that a woman’s career need not be defined by her marital status or motherhood.'People like Alia Bhatt and others have broken that mold' Alia Bhatt has undoubtedly become one of Bollywood's most celebrated stars, not only for her remarkable acting talent but for challenging the limitations imposed on women in the industry. From her debut in Student of the Year to her memorable performance in 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani,' Alia has defied expectations and carved a path that goes beyond the conventional image of an actress.Her decision to balance motherhood and career seamlessly, alongside her varied roles, has proven that an actress’s journey is not limited to the early years of youth or singlehood. Shabana Azmi, who has witnessed and experienced firsthand the shifting tides of the industry, commended Alia for leading this change. “People like Alia Bhatt and others have broken that mold,” Shabana said, underlining how modern actresses now have the opportunity to flourish well into their later years.Opportunities for senior actressesShabana also pointed out that the industry is now embracing a more inclusive environment, where older actresses are finding a place in significant roles. This shift, she believes, is a welcome change that allows women to continue their careers beyond the stereotypical age limits. The veteran actress herself continues to shine, recently garnering critical acclaim for her role in Dabba Cartel, a Netflix series that focuses on a group of women running a traditional lunchbox service, who unexpectedly find themselves entangled in a drug cartel.Alia Bhatt's upcoming projects Following her role in 'Jigra', Alia is set to star in Alpha, a high-octane Yash Raj Films spy thriller, slated for release in Christmas 2025. In this exciting new project, Alia will share the screen with actress Sharvari, and the film, directed by Shiv Rawail, is expected to be a gripping ride for fans.